Mourning the loss of a friend...

Anyone who reads this and is a from Evanston, Wyoming, knows what a close knit community it is. I went to high school there, and while in high school I taught piano lessons to a number of people's children in the community. One of them was John Winfield. He also was in our ward at the time and one of his daughters, Tasha, is best friends with my sister, Emily. So, needless to say, I was fairly close with this family.

When we made our trip to Wyoming this past summer, we were able to see them out in Hilliard when my sister, Sara, spoke in their ward. It was good to see John and Marianne again and how their children have grown up. We had good conversation with them, and I probably would have made it a little longer visit, had I known it would be the last time I would see him alive.

On Monday, John was at work (he owns a metal fabrication company in Evanston), and was killed when a large crane fell on him. His passing has touched my family because of our close relationship with this family. I am very sad to see this happen, especially since he still has very young children at home. But at the same time, I am so grateful that John came to accept the gospel, and that their family has been sealed just a short time ago. Tasha told Emily that they had a good Christmas together, that John was happy. I guess in life, that is the blessing - to be happy.

I will miss John. He's been a part of big events in my life, including both my marriages. He was a good man who loved his family and life. I'm including a copy of his obituary from the Uinta County Herald. If anyone would like to read the article, click here.

John Winfield: Oct. 2, 1964 — Dec. 29, 2008


John Winfield, age 44, passed away on Dec. 29 from injuries sustained in an industrial accident while at work. He was born on Oct. 2, 1964 in Grand Junction, Colo., the son of Wallace Waldo and Dannette Bridget (Murphy) Winfield.

John married Marianne Lester on Nov. 20, 1993 in Hilliard. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Ogden L.D.S. Temple on June 28, 2007.

John loved to work. He enjoyed snowmachines, reading, spending time with his family, serving others, and he enjoyed running.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne, of Hilliard and children: sons, Randy (Kimra) Phillips, of Randolph, Utah, Aaron Dean (Catherine) Winfield, of Bountiful, Utah, Marcus Lester Winfield, of Hilliard, and Charles Gabriel Winfield, of Hilliard; daughters, Tasha (Ryan) Marie Jenkins, of Evanston, Shalee Linnea Winfield, Jacquelyn Vanessa Winfield, Madison Jeanette Winfield, and Savannah Rose Winfield, all of Hilliard. He is also survived by his mother, Danette (Tom) Bergin, of Hill City, S.D.

He is survived by three brothers, Bill (Ann) Winfield, of Reno, Nev.; Bob (Cyndi) Winfield, of Bountiful, Utah,; and Jim Winfield, of Park City, Utah. He is survived by three sisters, Cathy (Ken) Frame, of Evanston, Mary (Mickey) Graehler, of Lexington, Ky.; and Elizabeth Winfield, of Las Vegas, Nev. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kevin Jenkins, Hunter Anderson, Dallin Jenkins, Sydney Phillips, Quentin Jenkins, David Winfield, and Airyn Phillips.

He is also survived by his close friends and business partners, Nick Merritt and Mike Jackson. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Lamar Lester and brothers-in-law, Craig (Christy) Lester, of Evanston, Paul (Jennifer) Lester, of Evanston, Merle (Vickie) Lester, of Evanston; and sisters-in-law, Marci (Kevin) Dewitt, of Leeds, Utah,; Lori (Steve) Owens, of Star Valley, Sherrie (Eric) South, of Evanston, and Jan (John) Cassinat, of Elk Grove, Calif.

Memorial donations may be made to the John Winfield Memorial Fund at 1st Bank of Evanston.

Visitation will be held on Jan. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at Crandall Funeral Home in Evanston. Funeral services will be conducted on Jan. 2 at 11 a.m. at the Hilliard L.D.S. Chapel with a viewing one hour prior to services. Interment will follow services at the Evanston City Cemetery.

Arrangments are under the direction of Crandall Funeral Home of Evanston.